ForestXplorer

Explore The Forest of Bere

Welcome to the Forest of Bere.

A mixture of woodland, open space, heathland, farmland and downland, it is the nearest and most accessible countryside for many of the residents of south-east Hampshire and important to many different people for a variety of reasons.

Together with the remaining 19th century oak and modern 20th century conifer plantations, there are areas of retained scrub and coppice, streams, ponds and an extensive network of rides and paths.

The many habitats provide an excellent area for nature lovers, whatever the season.

There are walking and cycling opportunities within the forest, ideal for all abilities.

Discovery Pass

If you are a regular visitor to the forest you could soon make a saving on car parking with our annual parking pass - the Discovery Pass. Support your local forest, get car parking for a year, local and national discount offers and a seasonal e-newsletter.

Learning Opportunities

Whether you are a school or family there are lots of ideas and downloads to help you explore and discover the wood. To help you get started with your planning we have created an introductory slide show, lesson plans and a sample risk assessment. If you would prefer a guided visit our learning partners’ details can be found here.

Adventure play

The natural forest playground is now open in West Walk and is suitable for children and young people of all ages, it has a huge oak tree house, wooden playhouses, wigwams, sand pit, climbing wall, bridge and shingle stream.

Catering

The Great Big Food Company is now operating in West Walk car park. Open 9am to 5pm (weather permitting) at weekends during October - May and 7 days a week during June - September. They offer hot and cold drinks, ice creams and snacks. Click here for more details.

What do other visitors say?

What time does the car park close in December?

Daniel, 3/Dec/2016

Thank you for your question. The car park closes at 4.30pm.

Forestry Commission Response

Can you only visit the forest during the car park opening times?

Anonymous, 23/Nov/2016

Thank you for your question. You are welcome to visit the forest when the car park is closed, however it is not recommended to go in to the forest after dark as you could easily get lost/ fall etc. There is also the disturbance to wildlife. The Forest has a lot of pressure on it during the daytime and the hours of darkness are when the area and wildlife have a chance to recover.

Forestry Commission Response

5 Stars

How much does it cost to park for over 2 hours and what time does the park shut in November?? Thanks

Rachel b , 10/Nov/2016

Thank you for your question. It costs £5.00 to park for the whole day ( over 2 hours) and the park closes at 4.30pm.

Be a forest hero

What's Here?

The two West Walk BBQs are available for hire with prior booking only. Please contact us on 02380 283141 to check availability and to make a booking.

Cycling

Cycling in the forest is informal (no marked route). Cyclists may use any track they deem suitable for their bikes ability and themselves. Surfaces can be very muddy in the winter.

Horse riding

Horse riding is by permit only and is informal (no marked route). Riders may use any track that they feel is suitable for the ability of their horse and themselves. It is recommended that riders new to the forest take the map supplied with the permit when entering the forest. Surfaces can be muddy in the winter. Carriage driving is possible with permission. To apply for a riding permit please contact TROT on 01622 735599.

Parking (chargeable)

Parking charges are up to 2 hours £1.80, 2 to 4 hours £3.50 and over 4 hours £5.00.

Play area

The natural forest playground in West Walk is suitable for children and young people of all ages, it has a huge oak tree house, wooden playhouses, wigwams, sand pit, climbing wall, bridge and shingle stream. Please supervise children at all times and remember that dogs are not permitted in the play areas.

Walking

The Old Oak Trail is not surfaced and is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. In wet weather the trail will become muddy and suitable footwear should be worn. Guide maps are available in the car parks.